Autism support update

[Anne_2109]

Hi, everyone. I have lost my earlier thread, as I haven't been on the board for a little while. We had a bit of a crisis, and I got overwhelmed. As a quick update, my 10 year old grandson is on the spectrum - highly intelligent, but struggling to cope with school. Daddy has mental health issues of his own, little sister is 6 and quite a handful. Mummy (our youngest daughter) past away 4 years ago, at the age of 37, when the children were 5 and 1 respectively. My husband and I provide respite care, looking after one or other of the children each weekend to lighten Daddy's load a little. I am 70, with health issues of my own, my husband has arthritis, and we both suffered from childhood trauma.

Our little guy had a complete breakdown at the beginning of this term, and became a total school refused. We have slowly begun to get help for him. He has had an EHCP for some time, this is now revised to say he urgently requires transfer to specialist schooling. There are no state school places available. His case worker is seeking independent or individual provision for him. At long last, Early Help are now involved with the family - first visit happened this Wednesday. Contact has been made with PAACT, and there is hope that Daddy may get more support. Anyway, that's where we stand now. Thanks for everyone who gave support to my earlier posts. Sorry that I dropped off the radar.

[Melly1]

Thanks Anne for the update.

It sounds like more support is being put in place.

S went to an independent special school for secondary as their were no suitable places locally. It was out of county and the LA funded his transport.

Melly1

[bowlingbun]

Melly, is there a list of independent special schools anywhere?

[Melly1]

Yes, BB,

https://www.autism.org.uk/our-schools

https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... d-colleges

The school websites, Ofsted reports give information - but it’s definitely worth visiting schools before choosing.

Melly1

[Anne_2109]

Thanks, folks. I will pass on the list of independent schools to Daddy. I hate seeing our little lad suffering like this.

[bowlingbun]

Anne,
I know you said dad wasn't good at decisions.
The aim should be getting your grandson back into school, an appropriate one, asap.
The longer he leaves it, the further his son will fall behind (unless the school are providing lessons).
Councils are incredibly slow at decisions too.

[Cloudygal]

Hi Anne

If he has been unable to attend school for a period of 15 concecutive days then the LA should provide some education at home that he can access while waiting for a school place

[Anne_2109]

Hi, everyone. Latest news, after weeks of fewer and fewer successful hours in school, finally refusing to even get dressed for school, we seem to have turned a corner (fingers crossed). Last Wednesday, Daddy took little sister to her school, then dropped him off at his school (just across the road) and just left. Apparently our boy screamed and ranted for 45 minutes, then settled and went to class. He has coped for 3 consecutive days. We are praying this continues. Hate that this is so hard for him, but also hate that he is so isolated from other children.

[Anne_2109]

Hi, everyone. Latest news, after weeks of fewer and fewer successful hours in school, finally refusing to even get dressed for school, we seem to have turned a corner (fingers crossed). Last Wednesday, Daddy took little sister to her school, then dropped him off at his school (just across the road) and just left. Apparently our boy screamed and ranted for 45 minutes, then settled and went to class. He has coped for 3 consecutive days. We are praying this continues. Hate that this is so hard for him, but also hate that he is so isolated from other children.

[Melly1]

Anne,

that's sounds positive. Well done to his Daddy and the school.

How has his behaviour been after school?

Melly1